Media Release: JRS Australia expresses solidarity with all those affected by the recent attacks in Sri Lanka.

24th April 2019

JRS Australia stands in solidarity and prayer with the people of Sri Lanka and with all the people affected by these callous attacks. We especially give our thoughts to families who have lost loved ones in the Easter Sunday tragedy.

So far, it has been reported that 8 explosions, targeting churches and hotels, have already taken the lives of more than 300 people and injured over 500 others. Pope Francis described the incident as “terrorist” and “inhumane acts” that could never be justified.

JRS Australia works with so many people from the Sri Lankan community. We know that many people are feeling devastated, frightened and uncertain as to the safety of their loved ones back home.

Already, JRS staff have been in touch with our partners in the Sri Lankan community, including key leaders who have stated that they are still awaiting confirmation on the safety of loved ones back home.

Many of our clients are terrified of being forced to return to Sri Lanka and are deeply concerned about their family left behind. As of Monday, the country was on high alert with the incident being labelled“the worst attack since the end of the civil war 10 years ago.”The Guardian has reported fears that the country could be thrown back into political turmoil. At times like these, the importance of Australia’s position in welcoming refugees and people seeking asylum from Sri Lanka becomes even more evident.

Our JRS Community Centre installed a memorial table with a framed image featuring the words, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the recent tragedy in Sri Lanka.”

On Tuesday the 23rd April 2019,a multi-faith vigil for the Victims of the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka took place at Blacktown Uniting Church at 7pm. On Friday 26th April at 5.30pm, there will be a memorial mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney for the victims of the attacks.

Once again, JRS expresses our deepest sympathy to the people of Sri Lanka, their families, the people affected by the attacks and the Sri Lankan community in Australia.